Protecting Teachers from Unreasonable Demands and Harassment by Parents
Ministry of EducationSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Mr Lim Biow Chuan’s inquiry regarding plans to build parent-teacher trust and measures to protect educators from harassment and unreasonable demands. Minister for Education Chan Chun Sing highlighted the refreshed Guidelines for School-Home Partnership, developed with COMPASS to promote respectful communication and positive role-modeling. He explained that the Ministry of Education will work with Parent Support Groups to raise awareness of these standards while safeguarding teacher well-being. The new Engagement Charter authorizes firm actions against unreasonable behavior, including issuing warnings, disengaging from individuals, or requesting Police assistance if safety is threatened. For egregious cases, the Ministry will pursue legal action, including measures under the Protection from Harassment Act.
Transcript
68 Mr Lim Biow Chuan asked the Minister for Education (a) whether the Ministry has any new plans to further build trust between parents and teachers regarding children's education; and (b) what additional measures are being considered to protect teachers from harassment by parents with unreasonable demands.
Mr Chan Chun Sing: A strong and positive partnership between parents and teachers is important for children to learn and develop. This year, the Ministry of Education (MOE) and its national advisory council on partnership, COMPASS (COMunity and PArents in Support of Schools) refreshed the Guidelines for School-Home Partnership after consultation with parents and teachers. These guidelines focus on key aspects where schools and parents can work together to nurture our children – notably, parents and teachers should communicate respectfully with each other, be good role models to our children and support our children to develop strong relationships and healthy habits in this digital age. MOE and COMPASS will work with schools and Parent Support Groups to raise awareness and support for these guidelines.
MOE values our teachers and their well-being. While most parents appreciate and partner well with our teachers, there is a small number of parents who engage in unreasonable behaviour towards teachers. The new Engagement Charter makes it clear that firm action will be taken against such individuals. This includes warnings to the individual to desist such behaviour and disengaging the individual. Where staff are harassed or their safety is threatened, measures to be taken include calling the Police for assistance. For the most egregious cases, legal action will be taken, including under the Protection from Harassment Act.